PREPARATORY SCHOOLS by E. A. Sutherland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1900

PREPARATORY SCHOOLS.

By E. A. Sutherland

A FEW days ago it was my privilege to visit the two preparatory schools that have already been started in District 3. Great works move slowly, but in God's work there is no backward-step. To human eyes it may seem that for a time the movement ceases altogether; but this is usually due to the enormity of the orbit of revolution, and the limited power of vision on the part of the observer. Standing as we do on our earth, and looking into the heavens, we see not the movement of many stars. We call them fixed, and yet they are speeding through space with a rapidity which baffles our power of comprehension. So it is with the onward march of truth.

It was a matter of surprise to me, as I reached Cedar Lake Industrial School, situated on the outskirts of a small village in the pine region of Michigan, to find in those humble, even crude, surroundings such a spirit of earnest devotion. And as I talked with those students about the principles of Christian education, and found that the spirit of God had touched and tendered every heart, I was led to exclaim, in the silence of my soul, Of a truth God is in the move, and these are his children!

When the plans were laid for these preparatory schools, enthusiasm ran high, and parents were eager to see them started. Then, as is so often the case, through misunderstandings, and perhaps some false representations on the part of the enemy of truth, those who had contributed to the work began to fear that they were going contrary to the will of the Lord. Caution is an excellent quality, and doubtless this wave of fear worked for the good of the cause; for there was a tendency to make such an extensive outlay in these schools that it would hinder the rapid increase in number which we must see. So, I say, the halting was to a purpose. But since the Word has come that we must have schools for the instruction of the youth, that church schools are the proper thing, that Battle Creek College should be a school for training workers, and that intermediate schools are a necessity, the hearts of the fearful have again taken on strength.

The only sad thing in such an experience is that we fail to recognize principles, and are swayed first this way, then that, waiting for the Lord to send us guidance in words which all may read. I can not help thinking of it like this: when Christ stepped outside the temple gate to meet the Greeks, a cloud rested on his head, lightning played about his brow, and what seemed like thunder shook the earth. To the learned in the things of God, to him who knew the tones of the Almighty, it was the Father's voice. We, his people, should recognize him when he speaks in a language that the Gentiles can not understand. Am I not right? Oh, for hearts that vibrate in harmony with the heart of God!

Woodland Industrial School, situated near Arpin, Wis., opened December 6, with an attendance of over forty.

Here again my heart was made glad as I saw the class of young people. Situated as they are, with two hundred acres of land at their disposal, plenty of wood and a fertile soil, this is an excellent place for an industrial school. “The youth who attend our school for the first time are not prepared to exert a correct influence in any city as lights shining amid the darkness. They will not be prepared to reflect light until the darkness of their own erroneous education is dispelled. . . . The farther they are removed from the cities and the temptations that are flooding them, the more favorable will it be for them to obtain the true knowledge, and form well-developed characters.” These words came forcibly to mind, and I again praised God that another State had taken the initiatory step in providing for the education of its youth.

Elder Covert and his co-laborers have worked faithfully for the church schools, and for this their first intermediate school. I believe the people of the States of Wisconsin and Michigan will soon realize the results of the effort put forth in these directions. God has said that an army of missionaries is needed; these schools are the places to look to for workers.

Where every branch is so taught as to show the glory of God, and each class appeals to the God-man, what could we look for if not for Christian workers?

The workers both at Cedar Lake and at Woodland Academy have to contend with many disadvantages, and they are working with meager facilities. Those who have an interest in our youth can do no greater work than to help lift the burden by generous contributions.

Those desiring to place children of their own in schools which the Spirit of the Lord has organized, and upon which he has placed his seal; and those who know of the children of others whom they might help, should correspond with J. E. Tenney, Arpin, Wis.; or J. G. Lamson, Cedar Lake, Mich. Brethren, this work moves forward. Can you not find pleasure in going with it? E. A. SUTHERLAND.